Giada's Nutella Cookies

If you like Nutella, these cookies are for you. If you like chocolate and hazelnuts, these cookies are for you.
I know, I know. You're thinking, "Wait!! It's the second of January. This is the time for New Year's Resolutions! This is the time for healthy eating! I promised to be good!" Well, don't get too worried. Yes, these are a dessert, but c'mon. Dieting without any dessert is just no fun. I promise that these are a yummy treat that will satisfy that chocolate craving and not completely un-do your post holiday hard work. Granted, you can't eat the whole batch in one sitting and still claim to be dieting- but a little reward now and then keeps us on track. So if you are ready to indulge a little, get out a bowl and here we go!
The recipe is happily basic and easy. Something you can whip up in a quick afternoon or evening. If you want to limit your consumption, you could freeze half of the dough and bake these later. There is only 1 cup of added sugar (granted the nutella is sugary) and only 1/2 cup of butter (granted the nutella is buttery). So start with your butter, sugars and nutella and beat until fluffy and fully incorporated. Like this:

To the creamed mixture, you add the eggs and vanilla and beat for a couple more minutes. Then add the baking powder, soda, and salt, followed by the flour. Once just barely combined stir in the chocolate chips (or nuts, if you prefer). We are not huge fans of nuts in our cookies, so I swapped them out for chocolate. I personally can never have too much chocolate, but if it isn't your favorite flavor, you might want to try the hazelnuts. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes for teaspoon sized cookies, or 12-15 minutes for tablespoon sized cookies.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk- you will need it!

Adapted from:

Giada's Nutella Biscotti

(From her most recent book, Giada's Kitchen, Giada explains that her grandmother called these cookies biscotti, even though they are drop cookies. I think it was a good idea to go along with Grandma in this case, no matter what you call them, they are fantastic!)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup nutella (about half of a small jar)

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or toasted, chopped hazelnuts